A former football star and now renowned players’ agent, Marshall Mbre has sent a passionate charge to tacticians at the grassroots’ level to be straightforward, disciplined and steadfast in all their activities.
Sports247 reports that Mbre, who runs Flying Sports Academy at FESTAC Town, Lagos and has produced several players for top clubs in Italy, gave the charge during a ceremonial match organised in honour of late Coach Osahon Emokpae.
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Mbre, who shot to limelight while playing for Mobil Pegassus of Eket in the domestic league, from where he moved to Genoa of Italy, told Sports247 that he admired Coach Osahon so much because of his impeccable character.
The football guru, who is fondly called ‘Bros Marshal,’ added: “Coach Osahon was like a brother to me, and he was somebody who I respected very well. I will continue to always respect and honour him even in death.
“He was somebody who I regarded in very high esteem for promoting grassroots football. Most people don’t understand that grassroots efforts are the basic level for any proper development in sports, especially football.
“That was something in which Osahon was very steadfast, totally focused, and he always knew the programme he wanted to follow.
“He was there for a lot of players up until the day he died. Even on his sick bed, he was still there with them. I loved the way he showed passion for youth development, and that’s why I said he was like a brother to me.”
The soft-spoken manager of players, who took former Super Eagles attacker, Nnamdi Oduamadi to AC Milan of Italy, alongside similar deals for Ezekiel Henty, Harmony Ikande and many others, stressed that other coaches at the grassroots need to emulate the good ways that Osahon was known for and then urged Badagry Division Football Association (BDFA) to immortalise him.
“I had to honour him by attending his memorial football match on Thursday, and I will always honour him. So, my advice to other grassroots football coaches is for them to be straightforward like Coach Osahon.
“He was straightforward and very disciplined. He was a man who sticks with the truth and does not shift from a good position he takes.
“He always stands by everything he says. So, I will advise grassroots coaches to be like him and be steadfast in all their decisions.
“I will also like BDFA, of which he was their interim chairman, to honour him with a tournament. They should name a competition after him, so that his legacy will live forever,” Mbre submitted.
Sports247 reports that the memorial match at Agboju Grammar School, opposite FESTAC Town 2nd Gate, ended 0-0 between Badagry Stakeholders and Iba Coaches Council, after which all participants moved to the late coach’s residence for the service of songs.
A funeral service will take place at the same residence in Satellite Town, Lagos early on Friday, after which a procession will move to Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos for the interment.
